By Lerato Mpembe
The South African Department of Health, in collaboration with several prominent organisations, has called upon the nation to rally behind children living with cancer and survivors throughout the month of September. This call for unity comes as part of the department’s efforts to raise awareness of the immense impact childhood cancers have on families and communities. Working alongside the South African Association of Paediatric Haematology and Oncology (SAAPHO), the National Cancer Registry (NCR), and the CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation South Africa, the department aims to spotlight cancers such as leukaemia, brain cancers, and lymphomas—diseases that profoundly affect the lives of children and their families.
Childhood Cancer: A Global Crisis
Cancer remains one of the leading causes of death among children and adolescents across the globe. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 400,000 new cases of childhood cancer are diagnosed annually, with around 1,000 cases reported in South Africa alone. Leukaemia has been identified as the most prevalent type of childhood cancer in the country, as per the NCR. “It is essential to come together in solidarity with those affected and work towards better outcomes for children with cancer,” said a Department of Health spokesperson.
Gold September: Raising Awareness for Childhood Cancer
The month of September is internationally recognised as “Gold September,” a campaign dedicated to raising awareness about childhood cancer. The gold ribbon, the campaign’s iconic symbol, represents the strength, courage, and resilience of children and teenagers impacted by cancer. The primary objective of Gold September is to increase public awareness, promote early detection, provide research support, and advocate for improved treatment and care for children battling cancer.
“The focus of Gold September is to ensure that families and children affected by cancer receive the support they need, and that early diagnosis and timely treatment become a priority,” said the Department of Health. The campaign aligns with the WHO’s Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer (GICC), which aims to raise the global overall survival rate of children with cancer to 60% by 2030.
Challenges in Childhood Cancer Care
While significant strides have been made in the treatment of childhood cancers, families continue to face substantial challenges, many of which extend beyond the medical complexities of the disease. Economic hardships, lack of community support, and the need to travel long distances to access healthcare are just a few of the obstacles that make the journey to recovery daunting for both the children and their families.
The Department of Health has stressed the importance of providing comprehensive support that addresses the emotional, physical, and educational burdens imposed by childhood cancer. “We as a nation must address the all-encompassing needs of these patients and their families to offer comprehensive support,” the department said in a statement.
Delayed Presentation: A Critical Issue
One of the significant challenges identified by the medical community is the delayed presentation of children at healthcare centres. This delay is often due to a lack of awareness about childhood cancer symptoms, resulting in missed opportunities for early diagnosis and treatment. To address this, the department is urging all South Africans to be aware of the Siluan Early Warning Signs of childhood cancer and to act swiftly if any symptoms are detected. Early intervention can dramatically improve survival rates and outcomes for young patients.
Collaborative Efforts to Raise Awareness
The CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation has been a driving force in raising awareness of childhood cancer in South Africa. CEO Hedley Lewis emphasised the need for ongoing awareness campaigns, saying, “It is critical that we continue to advocate for sustained efforts within the childhood cancer community to foster hope by raising awareness about the early warning signs of the disease.” Lewis also highlighted the importance of empowering the public with the knowledge necessary to recognise and act on any potential symptoms of cancer in children.
Professor Gita Naidu, Chair of SAAPHO and Head of Paediatric Oncology at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, echoed this sentiment. She called upon society to maintain its unwavering support for children and families afflicted by cancer. “Families are torn apart by the diagnosis of a child with cancer, siblings experience untold anguish, and financial hardships place an immense strain on relationships,” Professor Naidu stated. “It is our responsibility to ensure that these families receive the necessary support during this incredibly difficult time.”
The Role of the National Cancer Registry (NCR)
The National Cancer Registry plays an instrumental role in tracking and reporting cancer cases across South Africa. The department noted that accurate and up-to-date data from the NCR is vital in helping decision-makers craft policies that will have a meaningful impact on children and families affected by childhood cancers.
Looking Forward: The GICC’s 2030 Goals
As South Africa joins the global movement to combat childhood cancer, the Department of Health remains steadfast in its commitment to improving outcomes for children diagnosed with the disease. The WHO’s Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer (GICC) sets an ambitious goal of raising the global survival rate for childhood cancer to 60% by 2030, and South Africa is determined to play its part in achieving this milestone. Through collaborative efforts with international organisations and local entities such as SAAPHO, NCR, and CHOC, the department is confident that significant progress can be made in the fight against childhood cancer.
The department’s spokesperson concluded, “We extend our deepest gratitude to the medical professionals, civil society organisations, and compassionate South Africans who work tirelessly to support childhood cancer patients and their families. Together, we can make a difference and ensure that no child or family faces cancer alone.
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